THE family of Monica Riordan are praying for a miracle that would see her return this Christmas – a year after she disappeared, writes Luke Byrne.

The 40-year-old civil servant has not been seen since December 20 last year. Ms Riordan's handbag was found in the river Liffey near Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin – where she was last spotted on CCTV at around 7pm.

Ms Riordan's niece, Lorna Riordan, said spending this holiday without Monica "will be like reliving the nightmare of last Christmas".

"We'd love a miracle, we'd love for her to back home," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street garda station on 01 666 9000.